18 Aug 2023 --- Almonds have been pegged as the number one nut in European product introductions for the eighth consecutive year, data from Innova Market Insights indicates. Almonds appeal to consumers who seek healthy... Read More

18 Jul 2023 --- The 2023 Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) FIRST Annual Event & Expo kicked off in Chicago, US, this week, and Food Ingredients First is on hand to experience innovations from the... Read More

26 Apr 2023 --- As one of the key trends identified by the trade show, numerous exhibitors were showcasing the health aspects of their products, such as sugar-free, gluten-free, high in proteins, fiber-rich, added vitamins or... Read More

09 Mar 2023 --- Indulgence and health are two priorities consumers report seeking in chocolate confectionery. According to the Almond Board of California (ABC), nuts, specifically almonds, can provide even more snacking relevancy... Read More

12 Jan 2023 --- After heavy rainfall struck California following an extended drought, there was widespread concern for the state’s almond farms, which provide almost 80% of the world’s almond... Read More

14 Mar 2024 --- Dr. Josette Lewis, chief scientific officer at ABC, takes a deep dive into the zero-waste practices of the almond industry, centering on almond co-product utilization. California almond farmers are finding ways to put the hulls, shells and trees to productive use across a range of other industries, including as livestock feed, upcycled materials and even as a future food ingredient. 

14 Aug 2023 --- Nostalgic foods with a twist are trending as consumers seek comfort in familiarity. Removing dairy is one way to bring something new to a consumer classic like ice cream. Chef Henry Hill, who developed concepts for the Almond Board of California at IFT FIRST, presents an all-almond choco taco concept, explaining how almonds’ neutral base, toastability and creamy texture make them ideal for alt-dairy.

24 Apr 2023 --- Harbinder Maan, associate director of Trade Marketing and Stewardship, says "Almonds are the number one inclusion in consumers' ideal chocolate bar," according to the organization's latest consumer survey. The respondents' explained the nuts are natural and allow for "permissible indulgence" to the chocolate bar. Recent nutrition research of the organization focused on gut health and almonds' benefits to the microbiome. 

20 Jun 2019 --- The Almond Board of California featured several innovative concepts featuring almonds at IFT 2019 in New Orleans. Items on display included a Toasted Grains & Almond Beverage, an Almond Yuzu Poppy Seed Bar and a Coco-Java Almond Butter. “We are really highlighting the versatility of almonds. Almond milk continues to be a very hot category and here we have added some toasted grains to bring those two flavors together,” says Emily Fleischmann of the Almond Board of California.

30 Jul 2018 --- The Almond Board of California (ABC) presented snacking insights and samples at IFT, Chicago. With the latest research and live demonstrations, ABC’s industry and culinary experts were available to address questions about California almonds. Throughout IFT 2018, Chef Rob Corliss of All Things Epicurean was available for individual or small-group California Almond Solution Sessions, offering a deep-dive into the inspiration of this year’s IFT samples and assistance for other almond-related inquiries. The company presented new product data from Innova Market Insights, which highlighted the almond’s continued role as the leading nut in new product development. FoodIngredientsFirst spoke with Molly Spence on almonds gaining greater NPD traction. 

29 Mar 2023 --- As consumers look to maximize the value of purchases, manufacturers must consider the motivations that will solidify chocolate products as a permissible indulgence. From new taste and texture experiences to personal wellbeing and planetary health, confectionery product development can answer consumer needs. In this presentation, Lu Ann Williams of Innova Market Insights and Chocolatier Angela Borah discuss how to redefine the value of confectionery products using almond ingredients in innovative and appealing ways. Chocolate category and consumer data, inspirational recipe concepts, and informed tips on ingredient selection and application illustrate a future for chocolate products as consumers continue to navigate lifestyles in flux.

17 Mar 2022 --- Indulgence is an essential element of confectionery products, but how can manufacturers also answer the call for "better for you" chocolate products without compromising on taste and texture? Chocolate category and consumer data from Innova Market Insights and the Almond Board of California indicate multiple ways "better for you" formulations are leading to compelling product claims. View examples of new product development and inspirational recipe concepts that demonstrate how to stay at the cutting edge of the confectionery category.

28 May 2020 --- The popularity of products that cross the snacking and confectionery categories has grown in recent years, with more and more products featuring a sweet twist alongside healthful ingredients. Additionally, consumers are purchasing indulgent comfort foods to help deliver joy during difficult days of at-home confinement caused by the spread of the coronavirus. The Almond Board of California’s 2018 Global Chocolate survey shows that four out of five global consumers say chocolate is their favorite snack or one of their favorites when they are looking to indulge. Moreover, Innova Market Insights identified hybrids as one of its top ten trends for 2020, evidenced by consumers continuing to enjoy products that offer on-the-go indulgence.

08 May 2019 --- In this 40-minute webinar, Lu Ann Williams of Innova Market Insights showcases the latest chocolate with almond product trends from across the globe focusing innovative ingredients and key labeling insights to help manufacturers get ahead of what consumers are looking for. Chocolatier Christopher Curtin of Éclat Chocolate shares recipes and inspiration to his development process that align with the latest consumer trends.

12 Mar 2019 --- Reaching increasingly adventurous consumers, set on new discoveries and experiences, will be crucial to successful new product development in the food industry over the coming years. Learn more about the Adventurous Consumer, what’s driving the trend, and how ingredients like almonds can help deliver on adventurous appetites.Lu Ann Williams, director of Innovation at Innova Market Insights, and Rob Corliss, Chef and Founder of All Things Epicurean, discuss how best to apply this trend to your business and new snack innovation.